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1. What are the court’s hours?

Grand Traverse and Antrim Counties 86th District Court is open from 8 a.m. - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday (subject to holidays).

Leelanau County 86th District Court is open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday (subject to holidays).

2. What do I wear to court?

Persons appearing in District Court must wear appropriate clothing. Shorts, tank tops, halter tops, swim wear, or any revealing garments are not allowed. Men must remove hats, caps or hoods (except for religious reasons) upon entering the courtroom.

Food and drink are not allowed in the courtroom. Further, all cell phones or pagers must be turned off prior to entry into the courtroom.

3. When and where are arraignments held?

For Grand Traverse County, in custody (in jail) arraignments are held by video at 8:30 a.m. each morning. All other arraignments begin at 9:15 a.m. each day. Arraignments are held in the Robert P. Griffin Hall of Justice, 280 Washington Street, in 1 of the 4 courtrooms of District Court. Arraignments are held before a Judge or Magistrate.

For Antrim County, all arraignments are held at 9:30 a.m. at

205 E Cayuga Street

Lower Level

Bellaire, MI 49615

Judges are in this county on Wednesday.

For Leelanau County, in custody (in jail) arraignments are held by video at 8:30 a.m. on Fridays. Felony in custody (in jail) arraignments can be conducted as needed. Judges are in this county on Tuesday.  Leelanau County Building at 8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suite 201, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. 

4. Where do I go to check in for court?

Persons appearing in District Court in Grand Traverse County for arraignment must check in with Criminal Records prior to 9 a.m. Criminal Records is located through the double doors on the left side of the lobby after you have cleared security. The clerks will check you in, confirm your address, and then direct you to the courtroom.

Persons appearing in District Court in Antrim County for arraignments and pre-trial must check in with the clerk at the window. The clerk will check you in, confirm your address, and then direct you to the courtroom.

Persons appearing in District Court in Leelanau County for any court appearance must check in with the clerk. The clerk's office is located on the 2nd floor of the new Courthouse located in Suttons Bay. The clerk will check you in, confirm your address, and then direct you to the courtroom.

5. What happens at my arraignment?

At the time of your arraignment, you are given an Advice of Rights. When your name is called, the Judge will asked you if you have read and understand your rights. You will be informed of the charges and asked how you intend to plea. At this time you may request a court appointed attorney if you cannot afford one. The initial plea is taken and the next court date is assigned.

Please review the Advice of Rights (PDF).

6. How do I get a Court Appointed Attorney?

You may request a court appointed attorney at the time of your arraignment. Forms for a court appointed attorney are available in the courtroom. The bailiff will ask who will be requesting a court appointed attorney before arraignments begin. When you are called the Judge will review your request and sign the form if you are eligible for a court appointed attorney. You may be responsible for repayment of all or part of the expense of the attorney.

For more information, please visit the Court Appointed Attorney page.

7. What is a pre-trial?

At a pretrial you and/or your attorney will meet with the prosecuting attorney. A plea offer can be made at this time or the decision to go to trial is made.

8. What happens if I miss a court date?

If you fail to appear for a court date, the Judge may issue a warrant for your arrest and your bond may be forfeited. If a warrant is issued, you will need to turn yourself in to the jail.

9. I have received an order for fingerprints, what do I do?

If you have not yet been fingerprinted, follow the instructions on the order. As long as you have already been fingerprinted for the current incident, you may disregard this order. The exception to this would be if you are contacted by an officer to return to be re-printed.